Family Medicine | Peter Jewell, MD I decided to become a doctor later in life (at the age of 40!) for one reason: I felt a calling to help others. It is now a privilege to share that passion with the people I care for. I recently relocated my practice from Roswell to Artesia and while I’m new to the area, I cared for Artesia community members for more than a decade at my previous practice. In a way, it feels like I’ve come home.

Part of why I chose family medicine is to be able to care for an entire family, no matter their age or stage in life. I’ve seen patients from ages 1 to 90, and it’s not uncommon for me to care for multiple generations within a family, which can be really helpful if there’s a genetic disease. It’s a joy to see kids grow up from toddlers to teenagers, and to get to know parents and grandparents. So much of being a doctor is listening, which means hearing interesting stories and learning.

I’ve also had my fair share of health issues: I’ve survived heart disease, I’ve lived with diabetes for more than 40 years, and I’ve undergone several orthopedic surgeries. These experiences help me relate to many of my patients and play a big role in my empathy and communication style. It’s important to me that my patients fully understand their health, their treatments, their medications and their path forward. Every person’s needs are different, and everyone deserves an individualized approach.

So, what is family medicine? Who should see me and when? I am here for you when you’re injured or not feeling well. When you’re worried about your health but don’t know what’s wrong. And even when you’re feeling great and want to keep things that way—prevention is key and annual wellness checkups are an important part of maintaining good health. I provide a range of services, including pediatric care, women’s and men’s care, diabetes and hyperthyroidism management, hypertension control, pain management for arthritis, physical exams, screening tests, immunizations, coordination of care with specialists, and much more! My office is open and I’m accepting new patients. When the time comes, I hope you’ll schedule an appointment with me. I promise to always put your health first, to listen with an open mind, and to do everything I can to get to the root of your problem.

Grand Champion Brooklynne Ivans (Cake) Best of Show Morgan Fisher (Rag Throw)

Reserve Best of Show Trayton Wells (Wooden Flag) ANIMAL SCIENCE Meat Goat Senior

• Creed Hughes, 2nd Cat I: Purr-fect Pals Junior -Jonah Pope, 1st Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 3rd N.M. 4-H Horse Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 2nd Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 2nd Poultry Production Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 3rd Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 3rd

Rabbit I: What’s Hoppening Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st Market Lamb

Senior

• Caylee Shockey, 1st Market Swine

Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st Senior

• Juliane Cortese, 3rd

• BrooklynneIvans, 4th Birds (Indoor) Junior

• Emily Ruszkowski, 3rd

Arts and Crafts Sweepstakes Trayton Wells

Alternate Sweepstakes Kaden Bishop

Self-Determined Arts (Acrylic) Novice

• Katie Barnhart, 1st Self-Determined Arts (Ink or Pencil Drawing) Junior

• Adeline Swarengin, 3rd Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st Self-Determined Arts (Pastels) Junior

• Emily Ruszkowski, 1st Self-Determined Arts (Miscellaneous) Novice

• Justinian Barnhart, 1st Self-Determined Crafts (Wooden) Junior

• Trayton Wells, 1st – Sweepstakes

• Benjamin Barnhart, 2nd Self-Determined Crafts (Miscellaneous) Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st Alternate Sweepstakes

Creative Arts Sweepstakes Chance Boans

Alternate Sweepstakes Kaden Bishop Dog Collar Novice

• Jasen Hunt, 1st Coin Purse Novice

• Koy Burnett, 1st Senior

• Kabrea Heady, 1st Knife Sheath Junior

• Logan Frintz, 3rd Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Other Stamped Item Novice

• Koy Burnett, 1st

• Bristol Denison, 2nd

• Payton Kennedy, 3rd Braiding Exhibit Board Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st

Embroidery for Yourself Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Embroidery for Your Home Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st One Small Article Exhibiting Square and H Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st One Glazed Item Senior

• Chance Boans, 2nd One Underglazed Item Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st – Sweepstakes

One Overglazed Item Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st One Hand-Molded Clay Item Using Pinch Pot Method Novice

• Tegan Frost, 1st One Wheel Formed (Thrown) Item Novice

• Tegan Frost, 1st One Air-Dry Decorative Item Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st Set of 2 Portraits Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st

• Kaden Bishop, 3rd Birds Eye & Bugs Eye View (2 Photos) Senior

• Chance Boans, 3rd Black & White Photo Junior

• Noah Mobley, 1st Novice

• Chloe Platt, 1st Flash Photo

Novice

• Chloe Platt, 1st

Panorama Photo

Senior

• Chance Boans, 3rd Photo Set at Night Senior

• Ashton Craft, 2nd 1 Scrapbook Page Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st 2 Scrapbook Pages Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st 1 Completed Theme Album – Any Size Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st Pair of Earrings Novice

• Tegan Frost One Complete Set

Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st

• Alternate Sweepstakes Origami House Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 3rd Origami Piano

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 3rd Origami Crane

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st Origami Four Leaf Clover Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 3rd

Family Life Poster – Safe & Unsafe Toys for Young Children

Senior

• Ashton Craft, 2nd

Home Economics Sweepstakes Morgan Fisher

Alternate Sweepstakes Klancee Folmar

Simple Gathered Skirt Junior

• Adeline Swarengin, 1st Quick & Easy Tote Bag Junior

• Kendi Burnett, 1st Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st

• Bristol Denison, 2nd

• Tegan Frost, 3rd

• Rett Frost, 4th

• Torrance Hughes, 5th Scrunchie

Novice

• Tegan Frost, 1st

• Presley Gaines, 2nd Patchwork Pillow

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st Handy Dandy Apron Senior

• Joslyn Frintz, 1st

X-citing Pants or Shorts

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st X-tra Special Shirt

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st – Alternate Sweepstakes Quick Sack Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Embellished Shirt or Top Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Rag Throw

Senior

• Morgan Fisher 1st – Sweepstakes

Quick and Easy Pillowcase Senior

• Mia Duran, 1st Breakfast Bars

Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 3rd 3 Biscuits

Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 3rd Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st

• Jaylyn Colwell, 2nd 3 Plain Muffins

Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st

3 Chocolate Chip Cookies

Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Chelsea Melvin, 1st

• Bristol Denison, 2nd

• Jaylyn Colwell, 3rd Senior

• Caleb Clemmons, 2nd

3 Ginger Cookies Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st

3 Snickerdoodles Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st Novice

• Jaylyn Colwell, 1st

3 Brownies (2×2 Squares)

Junior Jaydin Colwell, 3rd Novice

• Katie Barnhart, 1st

• Jaylyn Colwell, 2nd

• Presley Gaines, 3rd Banana Nut Bread – One Loaf Junior

• Samuel Clemmons, 1st Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Zucchini Bread – One Loaf Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st 3 Cranberry Orange Refrigerator Cookies Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 1st 2 Strawberry Scones Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 3rd 3 Cinnamon Rolls – Iced Junior

• David Clemmons, 1st Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 1st White Yeast Bread – (1) 9×5 Loaf Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st 3 Crescent Rolls

Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 1st Two Fruit Filled Turnovers or Empanadas Senior

• Mia Duran, 1st

One 8 or 9 inch Double Crust Apple Pie Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 2nd Pound Cake – Unfrosted Senior

• Mia Duran, 2nd Apple Bundt Cake Unfrosted Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st One Decorated Single Layer Cake Novice

• Ariana Beltran, 1st

• Chloe Platt, 2nd Drying – Poster With 2 Samples Dried Vegetables Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Water Bath – 1 Jar No Sugar Jam or Jelly Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st

Horticulture & Agronomy Sweepstakes Noah Mobley

Alternate Sweepstakes Morgan Fisher

Poster – Soils

Junior

• Noah Mobley, 1st

• Jaydin Colwell, 2nd Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st

• Meagan McKibben, 2nd

Display Board – Utilizing Soils Junior

• Garyn Usherwood, 1st Poster – Plant Parts and Functions Senior

• Meagan McKibben, 1st Terrarium

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st

• Presley Gaines, 2nd Floral Arrangement (Flowers Grown by Member) Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st – Alternate Sweepstakes Produce Basket Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Gardening

Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Poster – Range Plant Management Junior

• Garyn Usherwood, 1st

• Jaydin Colwell, 2nd Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st

• Klancee Folmar, 2nd Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st

• Meagan McKibben, 2nd

Notebook – Ten Mounted Range Plants Junior

• Noah Mobley, 1st –

Sweepstakes

• Poster – Forestry Junior

• Jaydin Colwell, 1st

• Noah Mobley, 2nd Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st Senior

• Meagan McKibben, 1st

Forest Tree Collection Junior

• Garyn Usherwood, 1st Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st

• Meagan McKibben, 2nd

Self-Determined Advanced Forestry Exhibit Novice

• Presley Gaines

Natural Science
Sweepstakes

Garyn Usherwood

Alternate Sweepstakes Morgan Fisher

Discovering Wildlife in New Mexico Junior

• Garyn Usherwood, 1st – Sweepstakes

• Jaydin Colwell, 2nd Novice

• Rett Frost, 1st Senior

• Ashton Craft, 1st Small Game of New Mexico Junior

• Noah Mobley, 1st

• Jonah Pope, 2nd Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st Senior

• Meagan McKibben, 1st Waterfowl Management

Novice

• Klancee Folmar, 1st Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st – Alternate Sweepstakes Shotgun Senior

• Trevor Pope, 1st Archery

Novice

• Xandyn Granger, 2nd Fishing Safety

Senior 1. Morgan Fisher, 1st Self-Determined Sport Fishing Exhibit Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st

Personal Growth & Development Sweepstakes Presley Gaines

Alternate Sweepstakes Kaden Bishop

4-H Banner (No Larger Than 18×24) Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st – Sweepstakes Senior

• Ashton Craft, 3rd Decorated 4-H Frame Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st – Alternate Sweepstakes – Presley Gaines, 2nd

Self-Determined 4-H Growth & Development Exhibit Junior

• Emily Ruszkowski, 1st Plate of Three Biscochitos

Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st Cornhusk Doll

Novice

• Kaden Bishop, 1st

• Presley Gaines, 2nd

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Sweepstakes Taylor Beltran

Alternate Sweepstakes Morgan Fisher

Electromagnet

Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Self-Determined Small Engines Exhibit Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Silhouettes – Set of 4 Novice

• Presley Gaines, 1st

• Jasen Hunt, 2nd Skill Plate

Novice

• Finley Fuller, 1st Adjustable Sawhorse Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Self-Determined Welding Exhibit Junior

• Taylor Beltran, 1st – Sweepstakes

Model Rocket – Skill Level I Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 1st Model Rocket – Multi Stage Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Measuring Up – Flower Box Novice

• Finley Fuller, 1st Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st Measuring Up- Napkin or Letter Holder Novice

• Finely Fuller, 1st Making the Cut – Birdhouse

Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st Making the Cut – Foot Stool Senior

• Morgan Fisher, 1st – Alternate Sweepstakes

Nailing it Together – Bookcase Senior

• Talyn Pacheco, 1st Self-Determined Robotics Exhibit Including Self-D Senior

• Chance Boans, 1st

Looking back 40, 30 and 20 years ago, the following are excerpts from the Artesia Daily Press.

40 years ago July 21-27, 1984

Part of the Grand Entry ceremony prior to Friday’s performance of the 1984 Pioneer Days Rodeo involved a display of the colors, as seen here, held aloft by a representative of Baca Brothers, stock managers for the rodeo. Several riders rode weaving patterns, afterwhich the night’s rodeo action began. The closing performance was scheduled Saturday at the Artesia Roping Club Arena.

———-Members of the 104th Quartermaster Co., United States Army Reserve, from left Sgt. 1st Class Miles Turner, Spec. 4 Ramona Gubara and Lt. Cerie Kimball proudly display awards the company won recently during annual training at Camp Roberts, Calif. The group received the Safety Award for best safety record and emergency preparedness and also was recognized as Best Company for leadership, job performance, communication and motivation.

———-Two Amtrak passenger trains crashed head-on today in a “major accident” on an elevated section of track, Amtrack and Fire Department officials said. Scores of people are injured, including four seriously. A parallel track had been closed for repairs. “It could be a bad one. A lot depends on just how fast it was going,” said John McLeod, an Amtrak spokesman. He said each train carried about 160 passengers.

———-Mayor Ernest Thompson, left, and Eddy County Commissioner Johnnie Bowman of Artesia examine equipment in the interior of a new ambulance purchased by the county for use by the Artesia Fire Department. The ambulance, which went into service July 5, cost $27,412 after $5,000 trade-in of a 1975 model. The county financed the purchase in exchange for the city responding to rural ambulance calls. The vehicle was modified to carry extra equipment, including extrication and rescue equipment, on the rural runs.

———-The state’s total income for the 1983-84 fiscal year is expected to be within $10 million of earlier projections, says Finance Secretary Denise Fort. Ms. Fort said in her department’s monthly general fund report that state income for the first 11 months of the fiscal year, through May, totaled $1,028,455,000. The state will need to collect about $167 million in June to hit its projections for the fiscal year. The Department of Finance and Administration predicts that personal income tax collections paid into the general fund in June will amount to more than $50 million.

———-Representatives of 18 of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos accepted deed to 44 ¼ acres of land the U.S. Department of the Interior turned over Monday. The land formerly was the Albuquerque Indian School. The school, operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, was closed in 1980. The deed transfer calls for the pueblos to use the land for public purposes such as development of an office complex and hotel to generate income and employment opportunities for the pueblos.

———-Artesia firefighter Bill Pearson holds a kitten brought from a mobile home which caught fire Wednesday afternoon. Other firefighters are, from left, volunteer Tommy Howell, firefighter Bob Wilkin and sheriff’s investigator Pat Childress. A smoke ejector hangs from the doorway of the home. Only minor damage occurred to the front bedroom of the home where an aquarium thermostat next to a wall apparently shorted out, causing the fire.

30 years ago July 21-27, 1994

When it comes to age, there is a definite gap between Vernon Swift and his grandsons, Jim and Devin Dulaney. But when it comes to the world of model airplanes, they’re flying side by side. The three and other members of the family traveled to Lubbock, Texas, Wednesday where Vernon, owner of Swift Sales and Service in Artesia, and Jim, 15 of Lewisville, Texas, are competing today in the Academy of Model Aeronautics national model airplane competition.

———-Artesia High School 1994 graduates Jesus Trujillo and Jennifer Armstrong were elected to state Future Farmers of America posts at the FFA state convention June 9-12. Trujillo was elected state president while Armstrong was elected state reporter at the state convention in Las Cruces.

———-The Clinton administration is fighting an expected attempt on the Senate floor next week to block the government from implementing a plan that would expand the use of corn-based ethanol. Sen. Bennett Johnson, D-La., intends to offer an amendment blocking the Environmental Protection Agency’s socalled ethanol mandate. The EPA decided June 30 to require part of the oxygen-boosting additive in cleaner-burning gasoline come from a renewable source – in effect ethanol. The new fuel, with higher concentrations of oxygen, is required beginning in January for nine cities with the worst air pollution.

———-An Eddy County range plant identification team recently took top honors in competition at the 1994 New Mexico State 4-H Conference in Las Cruces. Team members are, from left, Ross Townsend, Kris Patterson, Rachel Hendricks and Drew Hendricks.

———-Efforts to enact a total no-smoking policy in all of the city-owned buildings failed at the Artesia City Council meeting Tuesday night. Before the vote, several city employees spoke against the total ban and favored the continued policy of designated smoking areas.

20 years ago July 21-27, 2004

Two New Mexico State Police officers were recuperating Wednesday after they were hit by lightning while helping motorists on a flooded road. Officers Clint Varnell and Lance Bateman continued to work for two hours after they were struck Tuesday night in eastern New Mexico. Varnell and Bateman were called to help people in about 15 vehicles stranded on flooded N.M. 206 about five miles south of Portales, said state police Lt. Jimmy Glascock.

———-President Bush said Wednesday his administration is doing everything possible to prevent another terrorist attack as he braced for a report sharply critical of the government’s intelligence- gathering before Sept. 11. Congress isn’t likely to undertake major revisions of the nation’s intelligence operations this year, House Speaker Dennis Hastert said, casting doubt on the Sept. 11 commission’s push for immediate changes once its final report is released.

———-An economist, New Mexico State University President Dr. Michael Martin said, “is someone who sees something working in practice and wonders if it will work in theory.” Thursday he saw theory put into practice. Martin, an economist, and the new president at NMSU, was among a large contingent in attendance at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center, south of Artesia. A field day and trade show were included in the program.

———-Firefighters remained on the scene at the J&M Dairy on North 13th Street through the night and Friday morning following a fire Thursday afternoon. Thirteenth Street remains closed at Lawrence Ranch Road. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

———-An Artesia man was arrested in connection with five burglaries in Eddy County that occurred last week. Ernest Thurman, 31, of Artesia, was arrested in connection with five burglaries and a stolen vehicle from Texas. Sheriff D. Kent Waller reported that on Thursday, July 22, Eddy County Sheriff’s Department deputies and investigators cleared five burglaries, with three occurring on Wednesday, July 21, that resulted in the recovery of several pieces of stolen property and a stolen vehicle from Seminole, Texas.

———- (EDITOR’S NOTE: Looking Back was compiled By Daily Press Staff)

El Rito Media The future of the Eddy County Courthouse could be determined later this year after a $350,000 study was funded by the Board of County Commissioners.

The study approved July 16, would assess technical analysis, renovation options/renderings and construction cost estimates, read a memo written by Eddy County Public Works Director Jason Burns to commissioners.

He said the County coordinated with multiple firms to study the various needs and assets of the courthouse.

Earlier this year, Eddy County administrators proposed moving courthouse operations, the Eddy County Detention Center (ECDC) and the administration building to a property south of the community near the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office on Corrales Road.

The proposed complex had an estimated cost of $350 million with the courthouse costing around $128 million, county officials noted. Moving the courthouse from its current location in downtown Carlsbad had strong opposition from county residents during two April town hall meetings in Carlsbad and Artesia.

May 7, commissioners approved movement of the administration building and jail to the Corrales Road property. The Commission directed administration during that meeting to conduct the study.

“It’s going to include information regarding the courthouse, adjacent to the courthouse and what’s going to affect what the commission is considering,” Burns said during the July 16 meeting.

The new courthouse would house district, magistrate, and the City of Carlsbad’s municipal court along with the Eddy County DWI program at the Eddy County Detention Center Alternative Sentencing Unit (ASU).

“We’re going to have this done ready to roll out in October, with hopefully bringing to the commission for direction in November,” Burns said.

He said the studies would give commissioners additional details on the courthouse and its potential fate.

The current courthouse was built nearly 90 years ago and housed various county functions over the decades, according to the Eddy County website.

“I think we’re getting close to the end of the year for all this stuff and just to be moving along. We need to take some action on that courthouse one way or another, while this commission is still sitting,” said District 3 Commissioner Fred Beard.

In 2025, Eddy County welcomes two new commissioners as Philip Troost replaces Fred Beard, who decided not to seek a second term. Hayley Klein replaces District 2 Commissioner Jon Henry; he could not run again due to term limits.

Sarah Cordova, James “Bo” Bowen and Ernie Carlson are the returning commissioners in 2025.

Commissioners approve firm for new administration building Burns said Parkhill, Smith and Cooper Inc. should start design and engineering work for the new administration building within the next 30 days.

The architecture firm has offices in Albuquerque, Texas and Oklahoma, noted its website. Burns said Parkhill, Smith and Cooper’s New Mexico team would manage the work.

Eddy County estimated a cost for the new administration building at $54 million.

While architectural plans moved forward for the new administration complex, plans for a new ECDC are preliminary, said Warden Billy Massingill.

A timeline for drawings and plans had not been determined, he said.

Estimated costs for the new jail are $135 million, according to county proposals.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or via email at msmith@currentargus.com.

— The Artesia Youth Soccer Association has opened fall registration, and registration will be open through Aug. 2. Divions are U6-U15. Players must be 4 years old before Sept. 1, 2024. Players can register at clubs.bluesombrero. com/ artesiayouthsoccer. Any question can be sent to artesiasoccer@ gmail.com.

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City Wide Clean-up.

HF/Sinclair/Navajo Refining and Artesia Clean and Beautiful have joined forces again to help clean-up our community. The Boy Scouts will be picking up on July 20th, the Girls Softball team on July 27th and the Basketball Boys on August 10th . If you do not have any way to haul off items that you need to dispose of, just call 575-513-0143 and let me have your address and what needs to be removed.

INTRO TO DANCE CAMP — The Artesia Arts Council will host an Intro to Dance “Friendship Fusion” Camp June 26 – July 31. Cost is $60 per student; save 10% if you sign up with a friend by using code FRIENDSHIP at checkout. Ages 4-7 will attend from 10-10:45 a.m. and ages 8 and up from 11-11:45 a.m. Choose from tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary styles. To register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education.

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HEAD START ENROLLMENT — Head Start is currently enrolling 3- and 4-year-olds for its 2024-25 program year. Children must turn 3 by Sept. 1. To schedule an enrollment appointment, call 575-748-1141. Parents or guardians will be asked to bring the child’s birth certificate and immunization records, verification of income (2023 tax return or SNAP), and a Medicaid or private insurance card.

—————– SUMMER EBT PROGRAM — The Student Success and Wellness Bureau has announced the release of Summer EBT applications. For more information and to apply, visit summerebtnm.org. For more information, call the Public Education Department’s hotline at 505695-8454. A link to apply may also be accessed through the Artesia Public Schools website, www. bulldogs.org.

—————– FUSED GLASS JEWELRY WORKSHOP — The Artesia Arts Council will host a fused glass jewelry workshop on Saturday, July 27. For more information and to register, visit www.artesiaartscouncil. com/education.

—————– YARD OF THE WEEK — Artesia Clean & Beautiful is sponsoring its Yard of the Week contest now through September. Colorful, attractive, wellgroomed lawns with curb appeal meet the qualifications. To nominate a yard worthy of the title, contact Linda at 575-513-0143 or the AC&B office at 575748-3192.

—————– WEED BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL — The 28th Annual Weed Bluegrass Festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Weed Community Center. Admission is $15 per person, $30 per family. Chairs will be available or bring your own to enjoy six great bands. A catered lunch will be available for purchase, and cinnamon rolls and coffee will be provided free. On Sunday, July 21, a short devotional will be held at 9 a.m., followed by bluegrass gospel music. For more information, visit weednm.org or contact John Bell at 575-687-3316. —————– GAME-DAY APPAREL — The Artesia High School Student Council has launched its game-day apparel for the 2024-25 season. Fans can now purchase a variety of products at great prices; there’s something for everyone in the collection so you can show your support for the team in style. All orders must be placed online by July 24. Use promo code BULLDOG to remove the shipping cost. Pick-up will be available at the AHS office Aug. 16 and 19. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gear up for the games and give back to the Student Council, and don’t forget to share with your fellow Bulldog fans!

—————– LIBRARY BOARD The Artesia Public Library is seeking to fill soon-to-beopened seats on the Library Board of Trustees. Anyone interested should submit a letter of inquiry to Library Supervisor Omar Acosta at the library or by email to oacosta@artesianm.gov.

—————– PHLEBOTOMIST PROGRAM — Applications are now open for Artesia General Hospital’s certified phlebotomist program. To learn how to apply and for more information on this career opportunity, call 575-736-8178 or email foundation@artesiageneral. com.

—————– INTRO TO YOUTH SPORTS — The Artesia Center is offering a program for children ages 3-5 that introduces kids to sports in a fun, non-stressful environment. The program is held from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Center. For more information, contact Bernice at 915-2498934.

—————– COMMUNITY FITNESS CLASS — The public is invited to attend a fun, free community fitness class, led by certified group fitness instructor Dottie Ellis, from 5:306:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Artesia Center, 612 N. Eighth St.

—————– DRIVERS NEEDED — SENM Veterans’ Transportation is in need of volunteer drivers to transport veterans to and from doctor’s appointments. Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact Alice or Donna at 575622-0729.

—————– WIDOW’S MIGHT Widow’s Might, a support group for widows at all stages of grief, will meet at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday in the classroom building on the east side of West Main Baptist Church, 1701 W. Main St. For more information, call 575-746-3528, email widowsmightnm@gmail.com, or visit widowsmightnm. com or facebook. com/widowsmightnm.

—————– GRIEF SUPPORT — A Grief Group meets at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday in the Saint Damien Center at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1111 N. Roselawn Ave. Free support is offered in both English and Spanish. For more information, contact Nora at 575-308-3248.

—————– MEN’S PICK-UP BASKETBALL — The City of Artesia is hosting men’s pick-up basketball from 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Artesia Center, 612 N. Eighth St. For more information, call 575-746-9009.

—————– TOPS — The Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Club meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Senior Center. For more information, call the Center at 575746-4113.

10 year old Owen Golden, with Cottonwood 4-H, joined by Mason Golden with Artesia FFA gives a thumbs up for the Fair. These brothers have put in long hours preparing their pigs for the show.